As the play-caller of one of the nation's worst defenses, Cal defensive coordinator Andy Buh is desperately trying to find something that works.

The Bears rank last with 350.9 passing yards allowed per game, and Buh has been adding some wrinkles to his scheme.

Against Washington, Buh experimented with a blitz package that replaced defensive linemen with extra linebackers and defensive backs.

"It's a package that we spent a lot of time in the spring on, and Andy's had it for a while," head coach Sonny Dykessaid.

The blitzes worked at times, and Cal was able to pressure Huskies quarterback Keith Price. But the Bears also gave up touchdown receptions of 67 and 49 yards while using the unique personnel group.

According to Johnny Ragin, one of the substitutes in the set, it's called the "NASCAR" package.

"We put it in on some passing downs, mainly third downs to get some stops," the freshman linebacker said. "We were able to get some more speed on the field."

Despite the two big touchdowns, Dykes wants Buh to continue to call creative plays on defense.

"When you simplify a defense, the offense can get you into matchups," Dykes said. "When you can predict exactly where the defense is going to be, you can create matchups that are going to be in the offense's favor."

Injury update: After missing the past two weeks with a shoulder injury, running back Daniel Lasco, who leads the team with 42.6 rushing yards per game, is back in action wearing a red no-contact jersey.

Dykes is unsure if the sophomore running back will play Saturday against Arizona.

"We'll see. We've got to hit on him a little bit and see how he handles that," Dykes said.

Also making progress is right guard Matt Cochran. The redshirt freshman started the first three games but injured his ankle Sept. 14. He began participating in noncontact drills last week.

Cochran and Lasco are listed as questionable in this week's injury report.

Support for Goff: Dykes was asked after Saturday's game if Jared Goffwould remain the starter at quarterback this season barring injury.

The head coach has given similar responses this week, but did say the door would be left open for a change "if the circumstances warrant" one.

"We'll see how it plays out," Dykes said. "The worst thing you can have is a quarterback looking over his shoulder all the time, afraid to make a mistake."

In the latest depth chart, the "or" that separated Goff and Zach Klinehas been removed.

"Going into this week, it's definitely made me feel a little more comfortable," Goff said of knowing he is the starter.

Briefly: Dykes on why Austin Hinderplayed at the end of the Washington game instead of Kline: "Hinder has been here for four years. We wanted to play him in a game. He had never played in a game, so it was really just that."